The project, which will link these transmission grids, including the Southwest Power Pool, the Western Electricity Coordinating Council and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, will be located in Clovis, New Mexico.
Burns & McDonnell plans to immediately begin conceptual engineering design and system studies necessary for transmission interconnection and commence the construction in 2012, with the SuperStations scheduled to begin commercial operations by 2014.
The engineering support will include the incorporation of a network of underground high voltage direct current superconductor cables and AC/DC converters at the SuperStation capable of transmitting up to 5gW of energy and balancing power loads between the three grids.
The project, which will have reactive power capability that can be controlled at each interconnection, is expected to enhance the reliability of the country’s electricity network and facilitate the efficient transfer of clean energy between regions.
Tres Amigas founder and CEO Phil Harris said that Tres Amigas is engaging the world’s elite engineering, project management and technology organizations to connect America’s balkanized power grids for the first time ever with the Tres Amigas SuperStation.
“Burns & McDonnell’s reputation in the power industry is unparalleled. We are sure to benefit greatly from their vast experience and engineering services,” Harris said.
